Nursing students

Students have reflected on how intricate and multifaceted gerontological nursing is. While they expected to use advanced assessment skills, they were struck by the continuous need for monitoring and responsiveness to changes in health status.

Students report learning that gerontological nursing requires expertise in a wide range of clinical areas, including:

• infection control and aseptic techniques
• chronic disease management and dementia care
• pain management, palliative care, and end-of-life support
• falls risk assessment and pressure injury prevention
• IV therapy, medications, catheter care, and wound management

Unlike in acute care settings, where nurses may specialise in one area, students comment that gerontological nurses must be proficient in all these fields simultaneously. This broad scope of practice left a lasting impression on many students.

Students also noted that leadership is a crucial part of the RN role in aged care, often beyond what they expected. They were surprised by the level of autonomy and the need to coordinate the multidisciplinary team (MDT), including GPs, allied health professionals, and families.

Key responsibilities included:

• communicating with families and advocating for patients
• managing staff, rostering, and administrative duties
• delivering education and mentoring junior staff
• making independent clinical decisions without an on-site medical team

Time management and workload were recurring themes in student reflections, with many acknowledging the challenge of balancing leadership, clinical responsibilities, and patient care.

One of the most profound takeaways from CPOP placements was the emotional and interpersonal depth of aged care nursing. Students frequently described how gerontological nursing goes beyond medical care to provide person-centred, holistic support.

They were particularly struck by:

• the strong emotional bonds formed with older adults and their families
• the need for patience, empathy, and active listening
• the role of cultural competence in delivering respectful, individualised care

Many students reflected on how gerontological nursing fosters deep, meaningful interactions, contrasting with the more transactional nature of some healthcare settings. Their experiences highlighted the importance of compassion, communication, and relationship-building in providing high-quality care.